JR's Heroes was launched at the beginning of the 2021-22 season as a way for Robertson to provide a fun experience for the children and families of those who are active military, currently deployed, or have lost a loved one who served. In partnership with United Heroes Leagueand USO, 13 families were selected over the course of the 2021-2022 campaign. Each family received four plaza level tickets to a Stars home game, parking, a food and beverage gift card and the children received personalized signed Robertson jerseys. If the parent or guardian in the Military was present, they also received a signed jersey. Families were shown on the video board and the service member was honored. This initiative will continue throughout Stars home games during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"Jason's commitment to United Heroes League and military families has been unparalleled this season," said United Heroes League President & Founder Shane Hudella. "He stepped up to provide an incredible lifetime moment to military kids and families. His generous support for our heroic families has a positive impact on those who serve to defend our nation. The program is far more than just tickets to a game - it gives military families an opportunity to enjoy the highest level of hockey and be recognized for the sacrifice our service members and families face. Attending games together means so much for those who put their lives on the line. Jason's commitment to the men and women who defend our freedom reflect great credit upon himself, the Dallas Stars, and the NHL and NHLPA."
On the ice this season, the 23-year-old led the team and shared 13th in the NHL with 41 goals (41-38=79). He was also the only 40-goal scorer under the age of 23 in the NHL during the 2021-22 campaign. Among active NHLers, he became one of just nine players to reach the 40-goal mark before their 23rd birthday, most recently done by Auston Matthews (47) in 2019-20. The native of Arcadia, Calif. is the fourth player in Dallas Stars history (1993-present) to record a 40-goal season and the first since Tyler Seguin in 2017-18. At 22 years, 278 days, Robertson became the youngest player in Stars history to reach the mark. Additionally, his 79 points in 74 games established new career highs in goals, assists and points.
ABOUT THE KING CLANCY MEMORIAL TROPHY
The nominees were selected by their respective NHL teams. The winner will be chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. The selection committee will apply the following criteria in determining the finalists and winner:
The first-place finisher will receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The two runners-up each will receive a $5,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of their choice.
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy was presented in 1988 by the NHL's Board of Governors in honor of Frank "King" Clancy, a beloved figure in the League for decades as a player, referee, coach, manager and goodwill ambassador. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and 1958 inductee to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Clancy was voted as one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players during the League's Centennial Celebration in 2017.
